Lady LUX

This month, Lauren Elaine launches Black Label Swim, her first swim collection. The model-turned-designer is known for her affinity for feminine dresses, as seen in her Black Label line and her Siren collection, and she brought the same flirtatious nature to her line of swimwear.

It’s no surprise that Lauren Elaine was inspired by “The Runaways”, the 2010 film on the 70s girl band, because her bikinis could easily be seen on a rocker chick. “Fashion was carefree and very experimental back then, for both women and men, and I wanted to play around with that concept,” Elaine said.

Shot at the historic Caliente Tropics Resort in Palm Springs, Lauren Elaine channeled the iconic 70s California look, combined with a bit of glam rock edge. Leaning on bright orange loungers or sitting poolside, models wore bikinis in hot hues of pink and turquoise with embellishments such as crocheted embroidery and metal hardware, and other gals rocked black two-pieces with metallic zebra print. “I wanted the lookbook to most directly capture the classic California beach-girl vibe,” said Elaine, “while being kind of kitschy and tongue-in-cheek.”

Each shot is accompanied by music lyrics, setting a playful tone for the debut of her new line. “The music lyrics were added to capture the rebel spirit of the later 70s,” she said.

Although her girly aesthetic carried through, incorporating her love of color and classic shapes, the line is also a departure from her common design medium: dresses. “It’s definitely very different for me,” she said. However, she asserted, there are many similarities. “I’ve always been attracted to asymmetrical necklines,” she said. “I think they are extremely flattering and I’ve never really seen them incorporated into swimwear.” Two of the bathing suits use her off-the-shoulder design, one in the black zebra and another in a light blue floral, giving girls the opportunity to have more coverage but still get looks by the pool. Speaking of covering up, Lauren Elaine also designed some post-pool options, so the ladies don’t have to lose sight of their swimwear when they’re lounging. Sheer harem pants, off the shoulder dresses and jackets let pool-goers take a moment before getting ready for their next destination.

The Los Angeles-based designer may be making more waves with her collections due to an on-air cameo. “A few months ago, Rachel Zoe and her team were looking for new designers, gowns, and red carpet pieces for their clients and she loved the F/W 2010 Black Label Collection inspired by Little Red Riding Hood,” Elaine said. The run-in happened at Elaine’s show room, La Maison de Fashion, where the camera crew was present and filming for Zoe’s reality TV show. Bravo’s “The Rachel Zoe Project” premiered on August 3, so watch the show and stay tuned for a cameo by Lauren Elaine!

The line won’t hit boutiques until fall, but Elaine hopes to be in retailers in California, Miami, Vegas and other resort destinations by September. For now, all her designs are available for purchase online.

Lauren Elaine recently returned from her fashion-filled Mediterranean voyage with Crystal Cruises, which LadyLux mentioned in spring. However, she still has one more trip on her itinerary. On September 29 she’ll embark on another 12-day cruise, “Fashion Capitals”, leaving from Venice and ending in Monte Carlo. The Fashion & Style experience offered by Crystal allows guests to have a first-hand experience with fashion, attending fashion shows, fittings and events, all at sea. On October 1, she will debut Black Label Swim on the high seas, along with her Siren collection.

Elaine held her runway presentation of Black Label Swim on June 28 at La Vida in Hollywood. She plans to unveil her line to her Los Angeles fans once again for LA Fashion Week in October.

Lauren Elaine is kindly offering a special promotion to all LadyLux readers. Enter “LadyLux” at checkout and shoppers will receive a 25 percent discount off their purchase. Start shopping her swimwear online at Lauren-ElaineDesigns.com.

Tagged in: travel, swimwear, swim, resort, bikini, bathing suits, lauren elaine,

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